A Late Night Dip

A look of confusion crossed her face as she heard the words “goth mommy kage” escape his lips, though she couldn’t help but break out into laughter briefly over it. There were a few things wrong with this pet name he had chosen for her, one being the fact that he was seemingly older than her and called her “mommy.” Also, technically she was only a village leader for the time being since Tsukigakure wasn’t big enough to warrant the title of Kage. She hoped he was simply joking, though she was unable to tell from his cadence. Once she was able to stop giggling, she’d speak up once more.

”Though I find the nickname to be absolutely hilarious, I must ask that you refrain from calling me it. I’m not a Kage after all… yet.”

With a happy smile plastered across her face, Junko would offer to get tea for the two of them, and after he agreed he’d thank her before before calling her princess. Once again she’d immediately get flustered which could plainly be seen on her face as she moved to climb off of him. She wouldn’t speak up and protest the new nickname as she did with his previous attempt, seemingly she was alright with what he now chose to call her. Now standing beside him, she’d lean down and place a quick kiss on his forehead before then speaking up.

”No problem at all my sweet, just hang tight and I’ll be right back”

Making her way into the kitchen, Junko would prepare them both a cup of tea. She used her own blend that she created in order to help her relax after a long day's work, along with a spoonful of honey and a dash of milk. While waiting for the water to heat up, she’d prepare them a small snack as well, nothing fancy just a bit of cut-up fruit and some banana bread she had baked recently. As she tended to her tasks her mind couldn’t help but flood with the various possibilities the future now held for the two of them. It felt sort of reckless to enter a relationship with a man who just hours ago she worried would either kill or kidnap her. For some reason though she felt drawn to his personality, and craved to see what could grow from their relationship.

She’d return to his side, carrying a medium size, silver tray with the drinks and snacks placed neatly on it. After placing it on a nearby table and moving it closer to where they were sitting, she’d offer him a cup before then taking one for herself. She’d smile and bow at him slightly as he thanked her for the tea, then took a small sip before speaking up.

”You must tell me what you think of it, I’ve been spending a lot of time researching various herbs and figured I’d try to make my own tea blend. I do hope you like it.”

Placing her cup back down on the tray that now sat beside the two of them, Junko moved back to the position she was in before heading into the kitchen and resting her head on his shoulder once more. Momentarily they’d sit in silence until she asked if he knew anything about the deity Jashin. He then would explain that he was the god of murder, which she already knew, but mentioned that his priests often had a dojustu that allowed them to see the fear in others. Continuing on he’d explain that in order to get that power, one would have to kill the priest. After a brief pause, he’d admit that he had access to the dojutsu which he called the Jashigan, and mentioned that he was willing to show it to her if she wished.

She’d lift her head off of his shoulders and sit up slightly as she turned her gaze to look into his eyes once more. Though she adored the stunning green color of his natural eyes, she couldn’t help but be curious about what exactly this Jashigan looked like.

”If it wouldn’t be too much trouble for you to do so, I’ve never heard of it before and would be extremely interested in at least seeing what it looks like.”

Junko would wait patiently for him to respond and carefully watched his eyes in case he decided to indulge her interest.

WC: 750
Total WC: 6867

Because the nickname achieved the desired effect of her laughing, he had no issue refraining from calling her goth mommy kage as a nickname. Though she seemed to have a problem with only the kage part, not the goth mommy parts, maybe he could workshop it. Goth mommy village leader? Nah, it doesn't roll off the tongue the same. He would go simple with what he would call her, and it seemed to work, as she got flustered and leaned down to kiss his forehead.

He would take the tea and sip it; she watched him drink, so the question did not surprise her when she asked how it was."I like it. I taste honey and a little bit of milk." While he could not pick up the taste of the milk, he recognized the color. Akabayashi used to make tea using boil release, so he was no stranger to tea tasting. He had not made tea since he lost the ability to use the Terumi elements. "I love it." He would say, instead of asking questions about the herbs, only to get to this response eventually.

As he answered and she turned her head to look at him, he would oblige her request. His eyes would turn black, and the world's fears became visible. Something abnormal was that he could see his own; he was outlined with it now. He could see the aura on his hand over Junko's shoulder. A fear that seemed to link to Junko but not Junko. "That's... new." Is all he would say as the black faded from his eyes. He would have to research that later. Maybe he would make a clone and use Bastet against it to visualize and face this new fear. He wasn't quite sure what the fear was and would rather be here now.

With her next to him and her looking at him, this was the moment. Another kiss and a whisper in her ear before nibbling on it. "Round two?" the question was asked; now, all that awaited was the response. He was okay with their current location on the secluded balcony with the stars above them. If she wished to go back inside or say no, he understood, though.

She’d watch in awe as his eyes shifted from green to completely black, clapping her hands together lightly as they finished their transformation. His gaze would briefly shift to his hand as a bit of a confused expression crossed his face. She’d off him one in return as he simply stated “that’s new” and released the dojutsu from his eyes. He had mentioned that it allowed him to see fear, so she couldn’t help but wonder exactly what he saw. However, it didn’t seem to bother him too much as he moved to kiss her once more.

His lips would then move to gently brush up against her ear as he softly whispered to her, inquiring if she’d like to lay together once more. Goosebumps could be seen down her arms as he bit down gently on her ear and a light gasp escaped her lips. Though she felt as if they were moving a bit quickly, she desired to feel his touch once more. How could she deny him such a request? Between the romantic atmosphere and her desire to do so, it was easy for her to say yes. As he released her, she’d smile lightly and offer him a sheepish nod.

”No woman in her right mind would deny such a request, though this time, don’t worry about being gentle.”

Her demeanor and voice would shift slightly from sheepish to alluring once more as she spoke. If he allowed, she’d sit up, then orientate her body so she was sitting on top of him with her legs each tucked between his and the arm of the chair. Now straddling him, she’d move his hands to rest on her hips if he allowed then would place hers on his shoulders. Leaning forward, she kissed him passionately for a few minutes before then moving her lips to his neck once more. After a few light pecks, she’d bite down a bit roughly, leaving a few temporary marks that assuredly would be gone by the morning.

Junko would allow him to move and touch her as he saw fit, wanting to ensure that he was enjoying himself. Unsure if this was the position he wished for, she was willing to change it to whatever would appease him.

WC: 380
Total WC: 7247

Her gasp increased his excitement with every breath she was pulling him to her. She consented to his request, but maybe that was the wrong term, as there was no hesitation. She even made a request. "I did not plan to my princess." This time, it was Junko taking the lead as she climbed on top of him, moving his hands to rest on her hips and leaning in to kiss him. It was pretty intense as their lips parted and met once more, over and over. Then she did something similar to what he had, kissing down his neck but stopping to take a nibble. He did not make a sound, but his pleasure at the bite was evident, especially with her on top of him.

If Junko wanted, she could be in control. If she wanted to switch, he would choose a way they could look into each other's eyes. His hands raced across her back, her chest, and her hips. He was basically Ricky Bobby. There was so much they could do that he settled on nothing and focused on everything, moving them as the situation allowed.

Fade to Black.

When they were done, he was exhausted; he hoped she was as well and just as pleased. With them snuggled up under the stars, her head on his bicep, he leaned down and kissed her again. After that, he would look up at the approaching dawn. "We made it to sunrise." That is all he would say before trailing off to sleep. Something he would not have dreamed of days ago, going to sleep with someone next to him without a path keeping watch.

In the morning, he woke up. If Junko was still there with him, he remained still so as not to wake her and go back to sleep. If she was gone, he would stand up and walk back inside, closing the door behind him. He smelled breakfast, and there he would find his princess. "Did you want to learn more fuinjutsu today?"

He seemingly was content with their position, and so was she as she continued to shower him with affection. Though he didn’t make a sound, she felt his appeasement through his hands as they raced against her body. She could feel her heart nearly beating in her chest as she continued to grow eager for his touch. For a few minutes, she’d continue to rub up against him and kiss his neck, though after she was ready they’d begin their dance once more.

(Fade to black)

Once they had both exhausted themselves, the sun could nearly be seen cresting over the horizon as she still sat on top of him. Taking a moment to catch her breath, she’d sit back slightly and tilt her head up to the sky with her eyes closed. Still panting slightly, she’d climb off of him and lay down on her side next to him with her head resting on his bicep. She’d gently trace her fingers against his chest as she attempted to mentally come back to earth. Junko giggled briefly and nuzzled closer to him after he kissed her and mentioned that they had made it to sunrise.

”I couldn’t have asked for a better night, thank you again Akabayashi”

Soon the two of them would drift into unconsciousness, though Junko wouldn’t remain asleep for long. After only 4 or 5 hours, she’d awaken, still safely within his arms. Carefully she’d move herself from his grasp, and then after placing a quick kiss on his forehead, Junko would move into her apartment. While in there she’d quickly get to work preparing herself for the day, she also took the time to compile his clothes, fold them neatly, and place them on her bed with his sunglasses sitting on top of the pile.

Once she had gotten herself prepared for the day, she’d begin making the two of them breakfast. Since she had really only been eating takeout or pre-made meals as of late, she didn’t have that much to work with. Thankfully she at least had the basics and was able to make some French toast along with bacon and a few different kinds of fruit. As she was just finishing up she heard the door to the balcony shut, then looked to Akabayshi as he entered the room. She looked to be wearing rather comfortable attire, a loose black t-shirt that had been cut to stop just above her waist and a tight pair of black spandex shorts. Her hair was messily tied into a high ponytail and a black apron could be seen covering the front of her body.

Junko offered him a sweet smile as he entered the room, and couldn’t help but sigh slightly as he mentioned doing some training. Though she knew she needed it, she was at least hoping he’d say good morning before getting back to business. She’d giggle slightly and turn her attention back to the fruit she had been preparing for them.

”Well good morning to you too, I hope you slept alright. As for doing some more training, I think that would probably be for the best. However since you mentioned your affinity with all the elements, I wanted to ask if lightning was among them. I recently have been learning a few of the basics with it and was wondering if you had access to anything of interest. I’d still like to learn more fuinjutsu too it you’d be willing to do both my dear.”

After pulling a few plates from a nearby cupboard, she’d offer him one and motion for him to make his plate first. She would make it for him, but she was unsure of how much he wanted so she thought it best to have him do it for now. After he finished she’d serve a portion for herself and take a seat at the small dinner table that she had set prior to his arrival. She had also prepared some tea and would pour out two cups for them before sitting.

WC: 680
Total WC: 7927

Azuki felt so joyful for the first time in a long while. He wore  a relaxed fit with black pants and white dress shirt. His black boots topped off his attire as per usual. Every time the opportunity arises his soul felt at ease and fulfilled. Junko had scheduled a meeting with him and it was 10 minutes before hand. He made his way into the tower with  small grin. He grasped at his pants legs unable to grab anything. HIs wrist cranked and rotated before he would enter the office closing it behind him. "Junko...." He croaked scanning the empty office. This was the correct time for the meeting he had made sure. She must have been waiting in her other room.

Things had been looking up in the combat division. Especially with new members flocking to join the village as they rise in prowess. HIs weapon creation and other schematics have developed nicely.He had found stability here setting his own roots. A foundation that wasn't a life on the run. Finally he had a home, with people he cared for and they for him. It was like being in a warm blanket. A rarity during his travels on the harsh road. Oh the memories of mud and lingering rain. Of blood, corpses, and other vile that littered the roads. What a time that was, since a young child he had sought blood. Relishing in the joys of combat and battle all to appease the disgusting Jashin.

Seeing the bookcase shifted he peered and lumbered over.The smell of breakfast hung heavily in the air. Reality went stiff; tense as if some sudden calamity would shatter his world. But it was just a thought an intrusive one. Yet this unease consumed him like a bog, he couldn't explain it. "Junko our meeting -" His brown orbs wavered and dilated his hand shooting to grab the bookshelf. He feigned tripping to help focus on catching his breath. But he breathed but nothing was there. The words escaped and lingered outside his memory. His own mind filtered out the words he just heard. He knew he heard them, but their nature eluded him. A fail safe for such a pathetic bastard.

Fuck...fuck.f... silence your mind. Steel your soul.....resonance was the foundation of all. To this day the words of his master still held true. These words steeled his mind in countless battles. Ones against warlords, crooks, and missing ninja alike. It weathered the test of time and became his one true weapon in battle.For a sound soul, dwelled within a sound mind, and sound body. But this time it was his heart that faltered. His heart that felt weak before. Anyone familiar with the dance of death knew you couldn't train organs. He was no different, but it was the only pathetic excuse he could muster.


A stranger with Junko in the kitchen. Azuki after a glance kept his eyes averted."Forgive me...." Why did he feel weak? His chest felt knotted, caught, twisted and rung out like a fresh deer. Azuki nodded his head and turned around to leave."Our meeting was today. I can wait for the next update. Forgive me for ruining your time with company Lady Kage." Azuki albeit to his own surprise maintain a normal tone.Lies kept filtering into reality. Junko would spot the fractured strength and confidence. Pierce through the sudden weakness like a hawk spotting a prey. Along with anyone else familiar with his stature. "Good day to you, my apologies." If Azuki was not stopped. he would trudge towards the door. With a single hand he would lock the door and close it on his way out. It was simply a common courtesy so no one else would accidentally interrupt.

He wasn't a fucking child he knew this. Some place deep down he knew at least. It was only a matter of time he told himself.  Everything he was feeling now was his own issue. This dissonance and drowning weight caused by his own selfish desires. What a fool he truly was,spoiled and prudish. What a terrible friend plagued with unnatural feelings. It was time to truly move on, he cared more about their friendship. As long as she was his friend she was still Junko and that's what really mattered.

But damn... damn does it hurt. Greater than any wound in battle. Greater than any torture Jashin revealed... oh how he was tortured. Tormented into visions and battles that would scar even the most scorned demons. Kinslayer, Bane, Spear Of Enigma,Cursed Child. His curse he was but a cursed wretch no matter what he overcame. In the end it all faltered, it all withered and died.Of course his first go at natural love died as well.What mere mortal could overcome his destiny. Why couldn't crawl into his own skin.

Hide and cower away become helpless. He had never been helpless he wasn't allowed. There goes another lie he thought to himself. He was always helpless, always a fucking victim. Pushed away from the only home he was born into. Set it a blaze with his presence alone. Forced to satisfy his bloodlust , forced to fight to not become a monster.  Tormented in his sleep, harbinger of death and destruction. If anyone were to look into his eyes now there would be nothing. A murky shadow smothering any gleam of light. All hope had been lost...at least for the moment.

The first step started with a good for her, go get some. That's all he had to do was be happy for her. Such a simple job, a simple role, it was simple in theory. But trying to put it into practice was dumbfounding. He felt the residual cracks in his mind. A festering putrid miasma leaking back into his mind. His curse was not gone... it was repressed by the love and friendship he had made as of late. But now the joy he once felt faded shattering the hold on the darkness within his mind. Azuki would truly return once more. His shoulder rumbled as if the bones within were shifting themselves as he grabbed his shoulder hiding the deformity a little too late.

WC:1,030 Enter

She looked beautiful in her casual clothes. As she gave him a sigh and said good morning, he realized his error. So, he would walk behind her, throw his arms around her waist, and kiss her neck a few times as she prepared the food, which he knew was likely to annoy her. "Good morning, Junko." After that, he offered to help organize anything and started washing his hands at her sink. He would offer no protest and sit at the table if she told him no. He would clean up afterward. Once it was ready, he would take a little of everything he did not eat much. Junko would serve tea along with their breakfast, and the two would enjoy their second meal together. "It's delicious, princess."

As they ate a random stranger entered and just got real awkward. If he was like this just seeing them eat, imagine if he had entered a few hours ago. He would have likely died from whatever was overtaking him now. As he said his goodbyes and tried to turn toward the door, it was too late, and the thud of it slamming shut was audible. All it took was him leaning to see the door before this one could leave.

Why was he doing this, though? He had a slight idea this one looked like he was about to cry. "Princess, I think you two need to talk, and I don't need to be a part of it." He stood, kissed Junko, and walked back upstairs. He waved to Azuki, "Awkward meeting you later."

Junko smirked slightly as he moved behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and briefly kissed her neck. She’d pull away from him a bit, though not enough to remove herself from his grasp. With a bit of laughter in her voice, she’d speak up playfully as she stopped chopping for a moment.

”You do know I have a knife in my hand and that you’re within stabbing distance right?”

Placing the knife on the table in front of her, she turned to look at him as he offered to help with breakfast. Thankfully it was nearly done, so there wasn’t much for him to do so she’d simply tell him that she had it handled. After a few minutes, breakfast was ready, and the two of them sat together once more. He seemingly had only taken a rather small serving, Junko, however, had a bit more on her plate, it was primarily fruit though. Once tea had been served they’d start eating, though they were soon interrupted.

Hearing somebody beginning to approach, Junko would immediately stand to greet whoever it was. There were only a handful of people who knew she even had this room installed, so she presumed it was somebody she was comfortable with. Before she saw him, she heard the voice of her dear brother mentioning something about a meeting. She had been so caught up with Akabayshi that she completely forgot she was supposed to discuss a few things with him. As he entered he seemingly tripped and looked as if he had the wind knocked out of him. A concerned expression crossed her face as she spoke up.

”A…Azuki are you alright? I'm so sorry, I completely forgot about our meeting, I don’t think it was added to my calendar but I should have remembered. ”

As he had done previously he refused to meet her gaze as he spoke up and apologized for interrupting their breakfast though her eyes remained steadily on his. He looked broken, nearly panicked though an attempt was made to cover it up. This wasn’t the confident, somewhat stoic man she had called her brother. She could tell he was trying to detach himself from the situation and was looking for a way out before he even began to say his goodbyes. Before she could get a word out, the sound of the door slamming shut caused the room to briefly go silent.

She’d turn her attention to Akabayshi as he spoke up, saying that there was something that Azuki and she needed to talk about. Standing up, he’d move beside her and kiss her briefly before wandering upstairs. Once she believed him to be out of earshot, Junko would turn her attention to her dear brother once more. Admittedly she felt hurt, he had been so hot and cold with her recently for seemingly no reason. They hadn’t fought or ended any of their interactions badly so she felt confused about his consistent change in attitude towards her.

Normally this would be when she’d cry and he’d console her, but she felt mad in this moment more than anything. Taking a step forward and placing a hand on her hip Junko would speak up in a bit of a stern voice, though she wasn’t yelling in hopes that Akabayshi wouldn’t hear.

”What is going on with you… with us? I know you said you were just scared to lose me so you were distancing yourself, but I feel like there’s more going on that you’re not telling me. Brother you know I love you, but the constant up and down is really just fucking me up.”

The perfectly maintained mask was fracturing slightly as her anger began to grow with every word that escaped her mouth. If Azuki paid attention to her tone, he’d realize it was similar to the one she used during their fight with Kurogane. Her free hand that dangled at her side now was balled into a fist, her sharp nails dug painfully into her palm. Continuing to speak, her voice would return to its normal volume since she’d probably have to explain this to Akabayashi anyway.

”One moment, I feel as if everything between us is fine, great even, but the next it’s as if you want nothing to do with me. If I’ve done something to offend you or hurt you in any way I apologize, but don’t you think I at least deserve some sort of explanation?”

As she finished speaking she could feel tears beginning to well up in her eyes, though she was able to stop herself from crying for the time being. This was a discussion that had to happen, and she wasn’t going to allow her emotions to consume her just yet.

WC: 807
Total WC: 8734

The slamming of the door snapped him back to reality. He turned to finally look into Junko's eyes. And they were drowning in a unwavering sorrow.The worst part was he was the cause of it.He stood there and stood tall, his chest and head rising. Instead of cowering her lowered his guard and opened himself up to her. He took the brunt of her words and nodded receiving them in his head and heart. With soft steps he walked to her side and kneeled. His hands guided and held on too the clenched fist.He held her to his heart and held her tenderly. The altered truths began to slowly slip and spill out following suit.

"I've been an ass Junko you're absolutely right." Azuki cranked his neck looking up to her eyes. He wanted her to smile not have such a pained expression. But he couldn't be the one to wipe her tears. He wanted to take her into his arms and surrender to her say it'll be ok. But no longer could he hold her like he wanted."You're the person i'm closest too and it's not something I ever wanted to change. So seeing someone pull you just out of reach of me hurts and I feel like a bratty child. And you're suffering for it."  He let her go whether she pulled her hand free from his or would let her slip from his grasp.

"It's my inabiltiy to prevent all the positive emotions I feel from overwhelming myself and everyone around me. I'm jealous... I can't be as close to my closest person because now you're someone else's." Azuki still kept his gaze mixed with hers. Despite his consistent tone he couldn't hide the wavering of his heart. It was as honest as he had ever been with a person. But it was still somehow just an altered lie. A slight perversion of the truth to again cower what he really wanted to express. That he loved her but had no right too. As always the causer of his own problems at every corner of life.

"It's fucking silly and it's stupid isn't it? Not to mention my kekkei genkai is manifesting. I've been so weak and sick from the changes. Something with my bones." He cackled without any semblance of joy. His eyes his tone his everything was but a hollow husk. Junko I love you dearly. I didn't at first but over time I fell for this precious woman and warrior. At first she was nothing more than a friend someone who felt like family. But then he almost lost that family again and again. And now in a way that was most likely irreversible.  But he didn't get to break apart, lose his shit, cry, not when he caused this. Not when he's the problem why is he always the problem.

"I'm happy because you're happy,but also sad for what this brings. But those reasons are none of your concern, they are self inflicted but I've allowed that to leak into our friendship and I apologize. I love you as always and I know you care about me as always. You mean so much to me Junko far too much and...you breaking my curse and just treating me like a human. Gave me a home , gave me extended family in the way of soldiers...you do so much for me. All of the positive life altering events in my life were done by you.  But you are still your own person so despite my intense loyalty and familial love I try not to burden you with that. Because I don't just care about you because you 'saved me' but because you..." His body was boggish and heavy. Like he was cracked open and filled with led and cement.


"The person behind those eyes perceiving me, the person behind those ears taking in this voice. You're so precious to everyone around you the real authentic person. And so in return I always want to be there....for you... to always show up." Raspy and soft his eyes the lifeless orbs on the verge of self destruction.

I'd steal the moon and conquer the stars if you'd just ask.I'm not confused about how or why the way I feel about you. I thought it was trauma bonding at first. But then I had never had feelings for anyone before despite all i've been through. You were just a friend and then overtime I naturally came to be this way. Overtime your smile made me feel more than just joy. His heart was just a throbbing knot tightening like a noose. The cracks in his mind leaked more and rmore reddish black miasma. Jashin was back and coming for his soul once again.

Azuki splayed open his arms."Do whatever you have to do to let your anger out. I'll accept what I deserve as you deem fit.But that was basically the sum of why  I act the way I do. I care but sometimes I care too much and I miss you.It  just amplifies everything else. I don't have anyone else like you they're dead or died.So I get extra defensive and concerned when it comes to you and as your best friend I shouldn't be so clingy. Humans need space and room to grow even in loving communities and friendships." He finished resting a palm on her shoulder if allowed. His eyes were still dead but he channeled all of the passion he did have. All of those true intense feelings of love."I also shouldn't punish you or make it seem as so though due to my own issues.Which I failed because I made you feel that way in the first place. I kept pushing you away because it hurt the more I realized I don't get to see you as much. So my first instinct is to just push everything away so I don't end up missing more. Foolish I know but it's also authentically me I really am a coward in my heart. By trying to not hurt you I ended up becoming the source of pain instead. You're not some harmless damsel in distress, but that doesn't mean I want to have to watch you be strong or suffer either just because you could handle it. "

Azuki's own truth settled within his own heart and mind. Azuki was upset, upset he didn't even get the chance to try. He could recover over her saying no or at least respecting him as a man. A potential partner even but that was dead from the moment they met. Due to his own actions he knew it to be true. He could say everything right now but it what would it bring? Especially now when a no was guaranteed. If the signs were there he'd take her back like a thief in the night, but they weren't. He had never been one to fight a losing battle and he wouldn't start now. Even when it was the most important one of  his life.


                                              "I'm truly weak." He muttered his arms slinking to his sides. His voice dead he answered.

WC:1,158 TWC:2,188

That laughter in her voice as she spoke that was all he needed for breakfast, he could get full on that alone. "I do and now I am weighing the pros and cons of another few kisses against being stabbed. Mmm... worth it." He would repeat the action and then take a seat as he had planned.

The kiss he knew was for Azuki to show him he was too late. Upon meeting Junko he knew if he did not act quick someone would have shown an interest in her and the state Azuki was in now was all the proof he needed. If he was right in his guesswork he was sure others would be devastated by the news Junko had a boyfriend. This was simply the first to find out.

After he was upstairs he could not hear a thing going on down below. Hopefully, Junko would send a signal for when the coast was clear. For now he would just start making the bed. After which he would retrieve the blankets and pillows from outside and fold them. If the conversation downstairs was still happening after he was done he would lay down on the bed and just stare up at the ceiling. His feet on the floor and his torso on the bed, arms across his body with his hands together. "Breakfast is getting cold." He would say to no one.